Want to know what's funny? The media and the internet have been saturated with all of these ads on how to lose weight, just because society's perception of a desirable body has been skewed into some skinny little model in a bikini. All I hear and see anymore are countless advertisements on how to lose weight. Many of my friends even complain that they think they're fat. This annoys me. Perhaps I should restate my previous declaration so that I can further emphasize how much this truly pokes at my last nerve -- THIS ANNOYS ME.
When I hear people complaining about how terrible they look, I compare it to that overplayed song on the radio that everybody sings while I sit there and cringe. I'm sure you can all empathize with me here. You just get fed up with hearing the same thing, yet people still won't shut up about it. Yeah, well I'm incredibly fed up with people being under some illusion that they're fat when they're normal.
Yes, people, there is a gray area when it comes to body types. It's not just some black and white thing where people are either classified as fat or skinny . . . There's this wonderful area called a normal, healthy body weight, which many of you have and don't realize it. Now don't get me wrong here, there are overweight people out there too, but not everyone is overweight. I just wish people could see their beauty instead of having society pressure them into thinking that something is wrong with them.
Maybe this gets on my nerves so much because I'm underweight. I'd do anything to simply gain a pound (well, I used to do anything to do so). I am 5'2.5" and weigh 98 pounds on average. I eat very healthily (okay, well . . . I'm also a very impulsive eater and eat A LOT), and I am physically active as well. So what's my problem? Well, it's the same thing that overweight people deal with, really: metabolism. While some overweight people have a slow metabolism and easily gain weight, I have a fast metabolism and find it very difficult to pack on the pounds. Go ahead and throw three big macs at me . . . I?ll eat them all. Will I gain anything? Well, I won't gain weight but I'll surely gain a smile for getting three free big macs.
It just annoys me because there are other underweight people out there, yet we get no recognition. From normal people, all we get are the, "I hate you for being so skinny" phrases. From the media? No, we're only told how to lose weight . . . and we'd probably die if we lost fifteen pounds like these weight loss programs ever so happily boast about.
I sincerely wish underweight people would also get more advice from the media, though. Unfortunately, in this day in age, the likelihood of that ever happening is probably somewhere in the negatives. Anyway, I just had to get this underweight rant off of my chest because I'm so sick of people telling me to go inhale big macs to gain weight. I mean, I'll happily eat whatever I want . . . but I've been thinking for the past year and I've come to the conclusion that I don't even want to gain weight.
I've learned that, because I have been blessed with my family's glorious genes, I will probably always be very petite. At least I like being this size. I can hide in awkward places and tell all of those tall people to reach for things for me. It's cool! Want to know why I am not concerned about gaining weight anymore? Because I have embraced my outer beauty for what it is. It will probably never change, and I have accepted that. I have come to really like myself for who I am. I'm writing this because I want you guys to see yourselves that way too.
If you think you're too fat and need to lose weight, if society makes you feel like something is wrong with you . . . I just want to tell you that you're beautiful the way you are. All of you. I don't care if you struggle with a slow metabolism or you're underweight like me . . . I just want you to be happy with who you are and embrace it. I want you to think you are hot stuff, man!
In all seriousness, though, I just want you all to know that you don't need to change. You don't need to try to drop fifteen pounds when you look great the way you are. And sure, people want to look perfect . . . but why strive to look like something that doesn't even exist? Perfection does not exist. Besides, we're all still growing, and I'm sure our weights and body types will balance out at some point. And for you skinny folks . . . I feel your pain when you Google how to gain weight and people tell you to eat a stick of butter or pack down some donuts. Honestly, who cares about that stupid advice? You're beautiful too. And sure, those weight gaining commercials surely would be great, but whatever, mon! We all look stinkin' good!
Everyone is genetically designed to look differently. This spans from your facial features, to your skin tone, and to your body size. I mean, I think it's awesome that we all look different. It's stupid for all of us to strive to look "normal" and unrealistically skinny (and coming from a skinny person, that says something). It's as stupid as EVERYONE wearing a northface jacket and some toms at school. I don't want to blend in like that. What's the point? I mean, I want to make a difference in life and stand out. I want people to remember me, and if I give in and strive to get my body size to look like the rest of the populace . . . where would my own personal diversity be?
Diversity is beautiful, and every different body size, shape, and facial appearance is just as stunning. Let's not forget that for every outside, there is an inside. The inside is always beautiful. That means you're beautiful squared, because you've got it twice. Inside and out! Wow, talk about lucky or what? I guess it's just your lucky day, because you now know how amazing you truly look for the way you naturally are!
Please, my friends, the next time you look in the mirror, so do with an open mind. When you see yourself staring back at you, don't be afraid to look your reflection in the eyes and know that it's one of the most attractive things you've ever seen! Be proud and happy, because you're blessed enough to live with that handsome or gorgeous face and body type for the rest of your life! I truly hope you all see your beauty and accept it for what it is. Maybe one day the media will find something else to do rather than make people feel pathetic about their appearances . . . but I will definitely tell you that you are the next best thing to perfect! Alas, the next time you look into that mirror, I hope it brings a smile to your face!
